James Harden is poised to win his first championship of his career and told the Sixers to do everything in their power to improve the team this summer. Harden talked to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports why he chose to receive less money in his new deal with Philadelphia.
“I had conversations with Daryl (Morey), and it was explained how we could get better and what the market value was for certain players. I told Daryl to improve the roster, sign who we needed to sign and give me whatever is left over,” he said.
Harden will reportedly receive $15 million less that it was expected in his new contract as they team is hoping to improve depth and create a championship caliber roster around Joel Embiid and James Harden.
“This is how bad I want to win. I want to compete for a championship. That’s all that matters to me at this stage. I’m willing to take less to put us in position to accomplish that.”
The Sixers came up short in the past few seasons coming playoff time and with Embiid in the roster they never made it past the second round of the postseason. Harden will hope to enter the 2022-23 campaign in better condition than last season.
The 10-time All-Star said he’s in a good space mentally and physically after a relatively down year. Harden faced several hamstring issues the last few years that kept him back and away from his usual, more explosive self.
“I was in Philadelphia for a couple of months and I had to learn on the fly. That’s just what it was. I’m in a good space physically and mentally right now, and I’m just looking forward to next season.”
As of now, the Sixers signed veteran P.J. Tucker away from Miami for three years, $33 million as well as the shooter Danuel House to two years, $8.5 million. They also picked up combo guard De’Anthony Melton via a trade and signed the 2021-22 G League MVP Trevelin Queen.
